Share Pics of People Hauling or Towing Something Wrong

[4570Man]

Not towing... But I'm shocked and amazed that the cops are letting this truck driver around with no actual bumper.


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It looks like the receiver hitch is still there which is the only meaningful bumper anyway. Both of my dump trucks only have the hitch, no bumper that spans the width of the truck. Besides covering the license plate what’s the problem with it?

 

[Rock Crawler]

You have to have a bumper by law in Pa to spread impact load and prevent the frame rails from impaling the car that strikes it. If you rear end this your point loading the stresses. Majorly more dangerous.

 

[Sysop]

Not towing... But I'm shocked and amazed that the cops are letting this truck driver around with no actual bumper.


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PA OH and WV all seem to get away with some pretty junky trucks. I see lots of trucks that shouldn't be on the roads licensed from these three states. What's worse, most of them are running tons of off road light bars and driving lights that exceed the value of their trucks (and they use them on the highway, even as daytime running lamps). Cops apparently do not care about such things these days. When I first started driving, they would pull you over for having an off road light on your vehicle whether it was powered on or not. If it was not DOT approved lighting, it did not belong on a vehicle licensed for on road use. With some of today's lighting appearing as intense as a welding arc, they really need to go back to this. It is as much of a risk as towing or hauling wrong...

 

[Industrial Toys]

I'm sure the Tuna Fish Can Thin bumper on my "HEAVY DUTY" 2500 Sierra, would hardly spread any load at all.

 

[LouNY]

Those two pieces of uni strut are as stout as 3/4 of the bumpers out there if they are more then a couple of years old.
Besides if you rearend him you where following to close or not paying attention.

 

[4570Man]

You have to have a bumper by law in Pa to spread impact load and prevent the frame rails from impaling the car that strikes it. If you rear end this your point loading the stresses. Majorly more dangerous.

The frame rails are taking all the load anyway. A pickup bumper has pretty much zero structure. I wouldn’t doubt if those post and rebar he’s using is stronger than stock bumper. And the receiver hitch is going to prevent the frame rails from impaling the car.

 

[Loaderman22]

To me, I do not know why a person would put good money out for half of a pickup box. 8 foot box for me! Just my opinion.
QUOTE=CobyRupert;5568803]:thumbsup:

....because they want a car: 4 doors, lots of passenger room, comfort, ride, primarily used for commuting...but their masculinity insecurities.....truck.[/QUOTE]

Sorry my needs of a pickup don't fit "your way is the only way" need for a pickup. I happen to have one of those 4 door pickups that is so inmasculine to you. So sorry that I need a pickup to move the 4 wheeler, building materials, tow a trailer, but yet need seats for my wife, father, and my daughter (who is too young to be in a front seat) all at the same time. I like the truck for the driving vantage point, added safety of being up high, 4 wheel drive, a short bed to be able to park it at the lumber yard or grocery store, and darn it, it looks good too. So sorry.....

 

[dragoneggs]

Not towing... But I'm shocked and amazed that the cops are letting this truck driver around with no actual bumper.


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Maybe the laws vary state to state. When I bought my S-10 pickup in the 80s, there were several bumper choices, thus it was an option. When I took delivery it was literally a 2x4 wood bumper with two 2x4 struts bolted on to the frame. I think it came from the factory that way and the dealer was supposed to up sell you. I couldn't make a decision when I took delivery so I had a wood bumper for several weeks.

I ended up having my friend's uncle weld up a 4in thick walled pipe w/caps and a couple of flat bars to attach to the frame. I first filled it with concrete to get some decent tail wieght. Seriously stout and way cheaper than a Chevy OEM bumper!

 

[duramaxsky]

In WA trucks are not required to have a rear bumper. As long as the height is not such a car will go under. A lot of guys here have roll pans instead. They look nice but offer no protection at all.

 

[two_bit_score]

Not towing... But I'm shocked and amazed that the cops are letting this truck driver around with no actual bumper.


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It would definitely qualify for obstructed license plate offense but are you legally required to have a bumper?

 

[Streetcar]

Maybe the laws vary state to state. When I bought my S-10 pickup in the 80s, there were several bumper choices, thus it was an option. When I took delivery it was literally a 2x4 wood bumper with two 2x4 struts bolted on to the frame. I think it came from the factory that way and the dealer was supposed to up sell you. I couldn't make a decision when I took delivery so I had a wood bumper for several weeks.

I ended up having my friend's uncle weld up a 4in thick walled pipe w/caps and a couple of flat bars to attach to the frame. I first filled it with concrete to get some decent tail wieght. Seriously stout and way cheaper than a Chevy OEM bumper!

Back when I was in high school with old truck I received ticket for having a wood bumper in ohio

 

[Diggin It]

§ 175.78. Chassis.

(e) Bumpers. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with bumpers of a type used as original equipment, or suitable replacement which is equal to or greater in strength than that provided by the vehicle manufacturer, securely attached to the chassis or frame. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4536 (relating to bumpers).

(1) A bumper shall be of at least equivalent strength and mounting as the original equipment.

(2) No portion of a bumper may be broken, torn or protruding to create a hazard.

(3) A bumper may not extend beyond the body line or be longer than original equipment, whichever is greater.

(4) A wood plank bumper is permitted on a road service truck or wrecker if it is firmly attached to a regular bumper or equivalent steel backing.

(5) Some part of the main horizontal bumper bar on passenger vehicles shall fall within 16-20 inches above ground level.

(6) Some part of the main horizontal bumper bar on multipurpose passenger vehicles and light trucks shall fall within 16-30 inches above ground level.

http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Di...ode/data/067/chapter175/s175.78.html&d=reduce

 

[dragoneggs]

I know it's an old post, but I was trying to catch up on the topic & saw it. One of my fondest memories is being about 6 or 7 & my step grandfather taking me to Jack in the Box then down to the boat launch in San Diego where he lived & we sat on one of the benches outside the bathroom building & watched people load & unload their boats for hours & hours. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard since. I mean there was everything from guys swimming after their boats that were floating away after he tossed the only rope up into the boat. Or the guy who left the truck in neutral with only the emergency brake on so now the boat & trailer are floating as the truck is up to the doors in 3 foot deep water. Or the guy who backs in too far, attaches the boat, and when he drives out of the water the boat floated off the side of the trailer.... Ha ha ha.

Yeah funny times except for the participants! Opening day of boating or fishing season is best. Lots of newbies and rusty folks out for the follies.

 

[LD48750]

Yeah funny times except for the participants! Opening day of boating or fishing season is best. Lots of newbies and rusty folks out for the follies.

Boating in MI is open all year long if you want to cut a hole in the ice.

 

[wheelbuilder]

Yeah funny times except for the participants! Opening day of boating or fishing season is best. Lots of newbies and rusty folks out for the follies.

When I go to camp I like to make the boat launch a drinking game. Forgot the drain plug, can't backup straight, missed a tie down. Of course, I've never missed any of those ;-)

 

[farm boy00]

What's the problem then?? That unistrut and rebar is just as strong as a factory bumper

§ 175.78. Chassis.

(e) Bumpers. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with bumpers of a type used as original equipment, or suitable replacement which is equal to or greater in strength than that provided by the vehicle manufacturer, securely attached to the chassis or frame. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4536 (relating to bumpers).

(1) A bumper shall be of at least equivalent strength and mounting as the original equipment.

(2) No portion of a bumper may be broken, torn or protruding to create a hazard.

(3) A bumper may not extend beyond the body line or be longer than original equipment, whichever is greater.

(4) A wood plank bumper is permitted on a road service truck or wrecker if it is firmly attached to a regular bumper or equivalent steel backing.

(5) Some part of the main horizontal bumper bar on passenger vehicles shall fall within 16-20 inches above ground level.

(6) Some part of the main horizontal bumper bar on multipurpose passenger vehicles and light trucks shall fall within 16-30 inches above ground level.

http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Di...ode/data/067/chapter175/s175.78.html&d=reduce

 

[4570Man]

What's the problem then?? That unistrut and rebar is just as strong as a factory bumper

Exactly, besides the license plate being obscured I don’t see any problem.

 

[goeduck]

Back when I was in high school with old truck I received ticket for having a wood bumper in ohio

Wood can make a very adequate Bumper. And easy to replace.

 

[4570Man]

Does this count for towing something wrong?

 

[PHPaul]

Hmmmm. Might want to check your tongue weight...